Through Culture
Culture surrounds us every day—through media, technology, politics, social narratives, and shared values. It shapes how we understand truth, identity, success, justice, and freedom. Often, these influences are subtle, shaping us before we even realize it.
Following Jesus in culture doesn’t mean withdrawing from the world or uncritically accepting everything around us. It means learning to discern what aligns with God’s truth, resisting what distorts it, and living with wisdom, conviction, and love. This page is here to help you reflect on how culture is shaping you—and how God may be forming faithfulness and clarity in the midst of it.
Self-Reflection on Culture
Culture forms us over time. This reflection can help you notice what’s shaping your beliefs and practices—and where God may be inviting discernment.
Signs of Healthy Formation
- Biblical truth shapes your thinking more than cultural trends
- You engage culture thoughtfully rather than reactively
- Convictions are held with humility, clarity, and love
- Wisdom guides how you consume media and information
- You remain anchored in hope rather than fear or outrage
Signs Something Is Off
- Cultural narratives shape beliefs more than Scripture
- Fear, anger, or outrage dominate responses to cultural issues
- Identity becomes rooted primarily in politics, ideology, or social groups
- Media consumption fuels anxiety, division, or confusion
- Truth feels flexible or relative depending on context
You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
— MATTHEW 5:13-16
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
— ROMANS 12:2
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
— ISAIAH 40:8
But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
— JEREMIAH 29:7
So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.
— 1 THESSALONIANS 5:6
And those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
— 1 CORINTHIANS 7:31
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
— JAMES 1:17
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
— 1 PETER 5:8
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
— COLOSSIANS 2:8
The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.
— PSALM 33:11
All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.
— 1 PETER 1:24-25
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.
— TITUS 2:11-12
Help for Real Life, Shaped by Truth
Engaging culture faithfully requires wisdom, discernment, and grounding in truth. These resources are designed to help you think biblically, live faithfully, and engage the world with clarity, grace, and hope.
Denison Forum
Daily news, cultural commentary, podcasts, and articles that help Christians thoughtfully engage the most important issues of our day through…
Christian Faith and Politics: Recommended Resources
A curated set of materials that help Christians engage public life with gospel-centered conviction and grace.
What’s a Christian Worldview?
Focus on the Family offers a clear primer on how Scripture shapes beliefs and responses to cultural narratives.
Practical principles for engaging culture without compromising gospel convictions.
Articles and essays exploring how Christians create and evaluate art, music, and cultural expression.
A podcast that interprets pop culture through a Christian lens with humor and insight.
A reflective paper exploring how Christians can thoughtfully engage media and technology for the sake of the gospel.
A thoughtful discussion on how believers should think about political involvement and civic duty.
In-depth political analysis and conversation from a Christian worldview.
A ministry that educates and equips Christians to engage politics in ways that reflect compassion and Biblical conviction.
What Often Makes Culture Harder
How God Often Uses Culture
Take a Next Step in Culture
We're Here To Help Guide You & Answer Your Questions
Cultural questions and tensions can feel overwhelming or isolating. Talking with a pastor or trusted leader can help you process these issues with clarity, humility, and hope.
An Invitation to Join Us @ Sonrise
Church doesn’t have to be intimidating. At Sonrise, you can show up as you are, connect with people who get you, and leave knowing it was worth it. Our campus is located right where Santee, Lakeside and El Cajon come together. Join us this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:40 by visiting us at 8805 Magnolia Ave. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll be here.
Sonrise Church
Service Times:
- Sunday : 9:00 AM (1st Service)
- Sunday : 10:40 AM (2nd Service)
Culture plays a powerful role in shaping beliefs, values, and everyday decisions. At Sonrise Church in Santee and East County San Diego, we believe following Jesus means engaging culture thoughtfully and faithfully, grounded in biblical truth rather than fear or confusion.
Many people in Santee, Lakeside, and El Cajon feel pressure from cultural narratives around identity, politics, media, and morality. Following Jesus in culture means learning to discern truth, resist distortion, and live with conviction and love in a rapidly changing world.
Sonrise Church walks alongside individuals and families throughout East County San Diego who are seeking clarity and hope as they engage culture. Wherever you find yourself, there is help, truth, and a way forward as you follow Jesus in everyday life.